Mount Kailash ( Tibetan: Kang Rinpoche) is a sacred mountain in the far west of Tibet.

Understand

This Mountain is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. In ancient texts, it is referred to as the center of the world. The reason can be understood from the geographical significance of it's place: within 30 miles radius, are the sources of mighty rivers Indus (north called "Sindhu" in India), Sutlej (in west), Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsang-po in east), and Karnali (largest tributary to the Ganges in south).

History

Hindus regard the peak as Shiva's symbolic 'Lingam'and worship Mt Kailash, which is the Sanskrit name for the mountain. Bonpos believe the sacred mountain to be the place where the founder of the Bon religion landed when he descended from the sky. Tibetan Buddhists believe Kang Rinpoche, which means Precious Snow Mountain, is a natural mandala representing the Buddhist cosmology on the earth and the Jains believe this is the place where their religion's founder was spiritually awakened.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Prepare

Get in

There are only four land routes to reach Mt. Kailash.

From Xigatse (accessible from Lhasa or Kathmandu) - Saga - Manasarovar (4 days on a hired jeep, longer by a combination of public transportation and hitch-hiking) or Xigatse - Ali - Darchen (6 days on a jeep)

From Indian border near Uttarkashi (very limited number of Indian citizens every year by lottery system).

from Simikot/Hilsa in Nepal via Purang (helicopter ride to Hilsa makes it fast but expensive)

The entry point for Mt. Kailash is Darchen. Located right in front of Mt Kailash, this is the starting point for pilgrims going on the Khora.

Fees/Permits

Y50 per person no matter how many times they circumambulate the mountain on one visit. Porters or yaks will cost about Y65 per day.

Get around

The main attraction of the mountain is the pilgrimage circuit around the mountain. It normally takes 3 days and should only be undertaken by the well-prepared and fit.

Itinerary

Mt Kailash Khora (Pilgrimage Circuit) - A pilgrimage to Mt Kailash involves nothing more or less than making circuits around the sacred mountain. The Outer Pilgrimage Circuit (Chikhor) is about 52km, and Tibetans can complete a circuit in a day. The majority of pilgrims try for 13 circuits, if they can. Some pilgrims do a circuit performing Kyangcha (Prostration). While the average circuit takes about 14 hours to complete, those doing prostration can take a couple of weeks. Those seeking to secure their path to enlightenment try for 108 circuits. Buddhists and Hindus travel clockwise around the mountain while Bonpos travel counter-clockwise. Most travelers take three days to complete a circuit.

Lake Manasarovar Khora (Pilgrimage Cicuit) - Together with Mt Kailash, Lake Manasarovar is a pilgrimage site. There is a pilgrimage path around the lake and a circuit is a little over 100km, taking 4-5 days to complete. Chiu Gompa, 30 km south of Darchen, is a good starting point for a circuit around the lake.

Day 1 - Chiu Gompa - Langbona Gompa

Day 2 - Langbona Gompa - Seralung Gompa

Day 3 - Seralung Gompa - Trugo Gompa

Day 4 - Trugo Gompa - Chiu Gompa

See

Do

Mt. Kailash Khora - the pilgrimage circuit

Lake Manasarovar Khora - another pilgrimage circuit

Buy

Not much choice as the handicrafts (made in china) are duplicates or of no use except giving as gifts to friends.

Eat

Drink

Do not drink the local water unless you have witnessed it being boiled. Locals are accustomed, but visitors should be wary.

Sleep

Lodging

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

Weather conditions can change rapidly here and you should be prepared for the worst.

It's unlikely you will have problems with the altitude other than shortness of breath, and less energy than you are used to as you will have been at altitude for quite some time just to get here, however altitude sickness is unpredictable, and you should always keep your plans flexible enough to give your self a rest day if needed.